By: Isuru Parakrama

April 08, Colombo (LNW): A high-profile investment forum aimed at revitalising commercial ties between Sri Lanka and Thailand was held in Bangkok on April 03, drawing an audience of over 80 influential business leaders from Thailand and beyond.

Titled ‘Invest Sri Lanka’, the event was jointly hosted by the Sri Lankan Embassy and Permanent Mission in Thailand in collaboration with the Thai-Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce.

It took place at the Grande Centre Point Surawong Hotel, offering a focused platform for promoting Sri Lanka as a gateway for regional trade and investment.

The forum coincided with the 6th Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Summit, which unfolded in the Thai capital from April 02 to 04.

Riding the momentum of heightened regional dialogue, the business gathering sought to position Sri Lanka as a renewed economic prospect amid signs of post-crisis recovery and political stabilisation.

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, who was the guest of honour at the event, used her keynote address to signal the country’s readiness for a new phase of economic resurgence.

She invited international investors to participate in what she described as a national transformation, backed by prudent governance, macroeconomic stabilisation, and a clear commitment to inclusive development.

Emphasising the country’s steady rebound following a turbulent period marked by economic collapse and global pandemic fallout, Dr. Amarasuriya spoke confidently about a “new chapter” for Sri Lanka.

She pointed to major investments in infrastructure, a rapidly expanding skilled workforce, and a surge in international tourist arrivals early in 2025, which have helped boost confidence across key economic sectors.

The Prime Minister characterised the coming years as decisive and full of potential, particularly for investors willing to establish long-term partnerships.

Welcoming participants to the forum, Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Thailand, Wijayanthi Edirisinghe, reflected on the strong economic rapport between the two nations.

She noted that Thailand had invested approximately US$ 97 million in Sri Lanka between 2008 and 2024, illustrating the potential for deeper cooperation.

Ambassador Edirisinghe highlighted favourable conditions now in place for foreign investors, such as bilateral legal agreements designed to streamline investment processes and avoid double taxation.

Speakers from across the Thai business community echoed optimism about Sri Lanka’s evolving business climate. Dilan Samarakoon, President of the Thai-Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce, along with Thai Chamber of Commerce Chairman Poj Aramwattananont and Vibeke Lyssand Leirvåg, Chairwoman of the Joint Foreign Chambers of Commerce in Thailand, each endorsed Sri Lanka’s economic roadmap.

They urged stakeholders in the region to explore opportunities in sectors ranging from manufacturing and renewable energy to tourism and logistics.

The forum concluded with a strong message of renewed cooperation and forward-looking engagement. With regional economies realigning in the wake of global shifts, Sri Lanka’s efforts to present itself as a hub for sustainable investment in South Asia are beginning to attract the attention of both regional neighbours and global investors alike.